The Pope’s Green Vestments  

From Worldwatch Institute newsletter, April 17, 2008
by Gary Gardner  

Pope Benedict may address climate change during a United Nations speech.  Rumor has it that Pope Benedict may address climate change during his visit to the United Nations this week. Whether he does or not, his young papacy can claim to be the "greenest" ever. Benedict has identified extensive common ground between sustainability concerns and a Catholic worldview - adding weight to the argument that the world's religions could be instrumental in nudging policymakers and the public to embrace sustainability.  Now, the Pope has the opportunity to further develop the links between sustainability and religious values, markedly advancing thinking in both arenas. 

Benedict's predecessor, John Paul II, made important environmental statements during his long papacy, but Benedict is the first "green pope."  Last year, the Vatican installed solar panels on its 10,000-seat main auditorium building, and it arranged to reforest land in Hungary to offset Vatican City's carbon emissions, making it the world's first carbon- neutral state. And Benedict has repeatedly urged protection of the environment and action against poverty in a number of major addresses. His next encyclical (major papal teaching), due out this summer, is expected to further wrestle with environmental, social, and other themes of interest to the sustainability community.  ...  

If you answer the multiple-choice questions below and e-mail to lessonanswers@mymontebello.com with “Lesson answers” in the subject field, you will be credited toward a “certificate of recognition in community affairs” to be awarded in 2008 by a local nonprofit organization. 

1. What is the significance of this article?

(a) The Pope will address the United Nations.

(b) The Pope can link religious values and sustainability, which includes taking care of the environment.  

2. What is meant by “carbon emissions”?

(a) Coal dust gets into the air.

(b) Each of us generates carbon dioxide through the tools which we use, the cars which we drive, and the food which we eat.  

3. What is meant by “carbon neutrality”?

(a) A person cancels the carbon dioxide which she or he generates, by doing something, like planting trees, which absorb carbon dioxide.

(b) A person has no opinion about carbon.  

4. What did the Vatican do to become carbon-neutral?

(a) Plant trees in Hungary.

(b) Install fluorescent light bulbs.

June 19, 2008